Wednesday, September 7 2005 12:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Those in the twilight years of life can cheer up. A law is in the offing for maintenance and protection of the aged that too with a deterrent effect.

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is formulating a model legislation to address financial, housing, clothing and companionship requirements from families and States in case the target group belonged to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

The purpose is to meet the needs of increasing percentage of elderly population and prevent their marginalisation, explained a senior official in the Ministry.

The Bill will be drafted after consultations with state governments, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar recently said addressing a national conference in New Delhi

Sources in the Ministry said seven states have already sent their comments on the proposed Bill for aged persons.

They said the legislation would have a deterrent effect as it aims at converting moral duty into legal duty by having a provision for maintenance of old people.

The proposed Bill calls for setting up of tribunals at sub-divisional level for getting maintenance to aged parents from their children.

The proposed Bill would also provide for old age pension.

The other salient features of the Bill include setting up of at least one old age home in each district and some specific health provisions for the elderly.

The Act is more or less on the pattern of Himachal Pradesh Parents Maintenance Legislation.

State governments are of the view that pension should be uniformly provided after attaining the age of 60 and that there should be ceiling on maintenance.

They are also of the opinion that the additional financial burden should be shared by the Centre and the States.